Methods and apparatus related to the communication of traffic in peer to peer communications are described. A peer to peer communications system includes traffic slots, and for a pair of devices having a connection a first transmission request resource and a second transmission request resource are associated with a traffic transmission interval of the traffic slot, the first request resource preceding the second request resource. The first request resource is used for the first device to communicate a request to transmit traffic to the second device. The second request resource is used to communicate a request from the second device to transmit traffic to the first device. One protocol calls for a second resource request to override a first resource request. In another protocol the second resource is used to communicate additional information corresponding to a first resource request, when a request is communicated in the first resource.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method of operating a first mobile communications device to communicate with a second mobile communications device in a peer-to-peer system during a plurality of transmission intervals, each transmission interval communicating at least one symbol, a first pair of said transmission intervals corresponding to a first pair of mobile communications devices, said first pair of mobile communications devices including said first and second mobile communications devices, the first and second mobile communications devices having an existing connection, said first pair of transmission intervals including a first transmission interval corresponding to the first mobile communications device and a second transmission interval corresponding to the second mobile communications device, the first and second transmission intervals being non-overlapping in time, the first transmission interval preceding the second transmission interval, the method comprising: transmitting on a first transmission frequency spectrum during the first transmission interval a signal indicating a request to transmit to said second mobile communications device; monitoring during the second transmission interval to detect a signal from the second mobile communications device; and when a signal from the second mobile communications device is not detected during the second transmission interval, transmitting data in a data transmission interval to the second mobile communications device, said data transmission interval occurring after said second transmission interval.
In a peer-to-peer wireless system, a first mobile device with an existing connection to a second mobile device transmits a signal during a first time slot to request permission to send data. The first time slot is assigned to the first device. During a second time slot immediately following the first, the first device listens for a response from the second device. If no signal is detected from the second device in its assigned time slot, the first device transmits data to the second device in a subsequent data transmission interval.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: when a signal from the second mobile communications device is detected during the second transmission interval, receiving data from the second mobile communications device during said data transmission interval occurring after said second transmission interval.
If the first mobile device detects a signal from the second mobile device during the second time slot (described in claim 1), the first mobile device receives data from the second mobile device during the data transmission interval following the second time slot. The first mobile device originally requested to send data but yielded to the second mobile device.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein between the first and second transmission intervals there is a time gap, the method further comprising: switching between a transmit mode of operation and a receive mode of operation during said time gap.
As in the previous claims, the first and second time slots are not continuous; there is a gap between them. During this time gap, the first mobile device switches between transmit mode (for sending the request) and receive mode (for listening to the second device's response).
4. The method of claim 3 , wherein when operating in the receive mode of operation transmission functionality is disabled.
As in the previous claim, when the first mobile device switches to receive mode between the first and second time slots, its transmission capabilities are temporarily disabled, ensuring it can only listen for a response from the second mobile device.
5. The method of claim 3 , wherein said time gap is at least one microsecond.
As in the previous claims, the time gap between the first and second time slots (used for switching between transmit and receive) is at least one microsecond long.
6. The method of claim 3 , wherein said time gap is at least one symbol in duration.
As in the previous claims, the time gap between the first and second time slots (used for switching between transmit and receive) is at least the duration of one symbol.
7. The method of claim 3 , wherein the time gap between said first and second transmission intervals is fixed and predetermined.
As in the previous claims, the duration of the time gap between the first and second time slots is fixed and known in advance.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein said first and second transmission intervals correspond to a first traffic interval, said plurality of transmission intervals further including third and fourth transmission intervals corresponding to a second traffic interval, said third transmission interval corresponding to the second mobile communications device, said fourth transmission interval corresponding to the first mobile communications device, the third and fourth transmission intervals being non-overlapping in time, the third transmission interval preceding the fourth transmission interval, the method further comprising: transmitting during the fourth transmission interval a second signal indicating a request to transmit to said second mobile communications device.
The system uses repeating time slots. A first pair of slots allows the first device to request to send data and listen for a response from the second device. A *second* pair of time slots then allows the *first* device to listen for a response from the second device and then the first device sends a signal requesting permission to transmit data to the second mobile device. This is similar to reversing the request/response roles of the first time slot pair to alternate the direction of requests.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein said first and second transmission intervals correspond to a first traffic interval, said plurality of transmission intervals further including third and fourth transmission intervals corresponding to a second traffic interval, said third transmission interval corresponding to the second mobile communications device, said fourth transmission interval corresponding to the first mobile communications device, the third and fourth transmission intervals being non-overlapping in time, the third transmission interval preceding the fourth transmission interval, the method further comprising: monitoring during the third transmission interval to detect a signal from the second mobile communications device; and when a signal from the second mobile communications device is not detected during the third transmission interval, (i) transmitting during the fourth transmission interval a second signal indicating a request to transmit to the second mobile communications device; and (ii) transmitting data in a second data transmission interval to the second mobile communications device, said second data transmission interval occurring after said third transmission interval.
A first mobile device listens during a third time slot assigned to the second mobile device. If no signal is detected, the first device requests to transmit during a fourth time slot assigned to the first mobile device and sends data to the second mobile device in a later interval. This is similar to alternating the request/response roles of the first time slot pair to alternate the direction of requests. This extends claim 1's logic across two traffic intervals.
10. The method of claim 9 , further comprising: when a signal from the second mobile communications device is detected during the third transmission interval, (i) transmitting during said fourth transmission interval; and (ii) transmitting data to said second mobile communications device during said second data transmission interval.
Based on the system using repeating time slots (as in claim 9), if, during the third time slot, a signal from the second device is detected, the first device transmits during the fourth time slot assigned to the first mobile device and then transmits data to the second mobile device in the corresponding data transmission interval.
11. The method of claim 9 , further comprising: when a signal from the second mobile communications device is detected during the third transmission interval, (i) refraining from transmitting during said fourth transmission interval; and (ii) receiving data from said second mobile communications device during said second data transmission interval.
Based on the system using repeating time slots (as in claim 9), if, during the third time slot, a signal from the second device is detected, the first device does not transmit during the fourth time slot assigned to it; instead, it receives data from the second device during the corresponding data transmission interval.
12. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: subsequent to transmitting on the first transmission frequency spectrum during the first transmission interval a signal indicating a request to transmit to the second mobile communications device and prior to transmitting data in said data transmission interval to the second mobile communications device, monitoring for a transmit acceptance signal from the second mobile communications device; and detecting a transmit acceptance signal from the second mobile communications device.
Subsequent to transmitting on the first transmission frequency spectrum during the first transmission interval a signal indicating a request to transmit to the second mobile communications device and prior to transmitting data in said data transmission interval to the second mobile communications device (as described in claim 1), the first mobile device monitors for a transmit acceptance signal from the second mobile communications device and only transmits data if that signal is received.
13. A first mobile communications device for use in a peer-to-peer system including a second mobile communications device, said peer-to-peer system communicating during a plurality of transmission intervals, each transmission interval communicating at least one symbol, a first pair of said transmission intervals corresponding to a first pair of mobile communications devices having a connection, said first pair of mobile communications devices including said first and second mobile communications devices, said first pair of transmission intervals including a first transmission interval corresponding to the first mobile communications device and a second transmission interval corresponding to the second mobile communications device, the first and second transmission intervals being non-overlapping in time, the first transmission interval preceding the second transmission interval, the first mobile communications device comprising: a wireless transmitter module for transmitting on a first transmission frequency spectrum during the first transmission interval a signal indicating a request to transmit to said second mobile communications device; a monitoring module for monitoring during the second transmission interval to detect a signal from the second mobile communications device; and a data transmission control module for controlling said wireless transmitter module to transmit data in a data transmission interval to the second mobile communications device when said first mobile communications device has transmitted said signal indicating a request on the first transmission frequency spectrum during the first transmission interval and a signal from the second mobile communications device has not been detected during the second transmission interval, said data transmission interval occurring after said second transmission interval.
A first mobile device in a peer-to-peer system sends data to a second mobile device using time slots. It contains a transmitter that sends a signal in a first time slot to request permission to transmit. A monitoring module then listens in a second time slot for a response from the second device. A control module only allows the transmitter to send data after the second time slot if the second device did not respond in the second time slot.
14. The first mobile communications device of claim 13 , further comprising: a wireless receiver module for receiving data from the second mobile communications device during said data transmission interval occurring after said second transmission interval when a signal from the second mobile communications device has been detected during the second transmission interval.
The first mobile device from claim 13 also includes a receiver. If the monitoring module detects a signal from the second mobile device during the second time slot (indicating the second device wants to transmit), the receiver receives data from the second mobile device during the data transmission interval following the second time slot.
15. The first mobile communications device of claim 14 , wherein a time gap is defined between the first and second transmission intervals, the first mobile communications device further comprising: a mode control module for switching between a transmit mode of operation and a receive mode of operation during said time gap.
The first mobile device described in claim 14 includes a mode control module. There is a time gap between the first and second time slots. The mode control module switches the device between transmit and receive modes during this gap.
16. The first mobile communications device of claim 15 , further comprising: a receive mode control module for controlling transmission functionality to be disabled when operating in the receive mode of operation.
The first mobile device (as in claim 15) has a receive mode control module that disables transmission functionality when the device is in receive mode, preventing interference while listening for the second device's response.
17. The first mobile communications device of claim 15 , wherein said time gap is at least one microsecond.
The first mobile device (as in claim 15) has a time gap between the first and second time slots of at least one microsecond. This gap is used for switching between transmit and receive modes.
18. The first mobile communications device of claim 15 , wherein said time gap is at least one symbol in duration.
The first mobile device (as in claim 15) has a time gap between the first and second time slots of at least one symbol duration. This gap is used for switching between transmit and receive modes.
19. The first mobile communications device of claim 13 , wherein said first and second transmission correspond to a first traffic interval, said plurality of transmission further including third and fourth transmission intervals corresponding to a second traffic interval, said third transmission interval corresponding to the second mobile communications device, said fourth transmission interval corresponding to the first mobile communications device, the third and fourth transmission intervals being non-overlapping in time, the third transmission interval preceding the fourth transmission interval; and wherein said wireless transmitter module is also for transmitting during the fourth transmission interval a second signal indicating a request to transmit to said second mobile communications device.
The first mobile device of claim 13, designed for alternating transmission opportunities, also transmits during a fourth time slot within a second traffic interval, signaling a request to transmit data to the second mobile device. This fourth time slot follows a third time slot where the device would listen to the second device.
20. A first mobile communications device for use in a peer-to-peer system including a second mobile communications device, said peer-to-peer system communicating during a plurality of transmission intervals, each transmission interval communicating at least one symbol, a first pair of said transmission intervals corresponding to a first pair of mobile communications devices having a connection, said first pair of mobile communications devices including said first and second mobile communications devices, said first pair of transmission intervals including a first transmission interval corresponding to the first mobile communications device and a second transmission interval corresponding to the second mobile communications device, the first and second transmission intervals being non-overlapping in time, the first transmission interval preceding the second transmission interval, the first mobile communications device comprising: wireless transmitter means for transmitting on a first transmission frequency spectrum during the first transmission interval a signal indicating a request to transmit to said second mobile communications device; monitoring means for monitoring during the second transmission interval to detect a signal from the second mobile communications device; and data transmission control means for controlling said wireless transmitter means to transmit data in a data transmission interval to the second mobile communications device when said first mobile communications device has transmitted said signal indicating a request on the first transmission frequency spectrum during the first transmission interval and a signal from the second mobile communications device has not been detected during the second transmission interval, said data transmission interval occurring after said second transmission interval.
A first mobile device in a peer-to-peer system requests transmission using a specific procedure. It transmits a request signal in a first assigned time slot. The device then monitors for a response during the second assigned time slot. If no response is received, the device transmits the actual data in the subsequent data transmission interval. This ensures that devices aren't talking over each other. The device includes "means for" each of these functions, implying functional modules or components.
21. The first mobile communications device of claim 20 , further comprising: wireless receiver means for receiving data from the second mobile communications device during said data transmission interval occurring after said second transmission interval when a signal from the second mobile communications device has been detected during the second transmission interval.
The mobile device described in claim 20, further incorporates "wireless receiver means" to receive data during the data transmission interval from the second mobile device when a signal from the second mobile communications device has been detected during the second transmission interval.
22. A non-transitory computer readable medium embodying machine executable instruction for controlling a first mobile communications device to implement a method for communicating with a second mobile communications device in a peer-to-peer system during a plurality of transmission intervals, each transmission interval communicating at least one symbol, a first pair of said transmission intervals corresponding to a first pair of mobile communications devices, said first pair of mobile communications devices including said first and second mobile communications devices, the first and second mobile communications devices having an existing connection, said first pair of transmission intervals including a first transmission interval corresponding to the first mobile communications device and a second transmission interval corresponding to the second mobile communications device, the first and second transmission intervals being non-overlapping in time, the first transmission interval preceding the second transmission interval, the method comprising: transmitting on a first transmission frequency spectrum during the first transmission interval a signal indicating a request to transmit to said second mobile communications device; monitoring during the second transmission interval to detect a signal from the second mobile communications device; and when a signal from the second mobile communications device is not detected during the second transmission interval, transmitting data in a data transmission interval to the second mobile communications device, said data transmission interval occurring after said second transmission interval.
A non-transitory computer-readable medium stores instructions that, when executed by a mobile device, cause it to perform the following: transmit a request signal in a first time slot to another device, listen for a response in a second time slot. If no response is received, transmit data in a subsequent data transmission interval. This defines a specific access protocol within a peer-to-peer system.
23. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 22 , wherein said method further comprises: receiving data from the second mobile communications device during said data transmission interval occurring after said second transmission interval when a signal from the second mobile communications device is detected during the second transmission interval.
As in the previous claim, the instructions on the computer-readable medium also cause the mobile device to receive data from the second mobile device during the data transmission interval if the second device transmitted a signal during the second transmission interval.
24. An apparatus comprising: a processor for use in a first mobile communications device configured to communicate with a second mobile communications device in a peer-to-peer system during a plurality of transmission intervals, each transmission interval communicating at least one symbol, a first pair of said transmission intervals corresponding to a first pair of mobile communications devices, said first pair of mobile communications devices including said first and second mobile communications devices, the first and second mobile communications devices having an existing connection, said first pair of transmission intervals including a first transmission interval corresponding to the first mobile communications device and a second transmission interval corresponding to the second mobile communications device, the first and second transmission intervals being non-overlapping in time, the first transmission interval preceding the second transmission interval, the processor configured to control the first mobile communications device to: transmit on a first transmission frequency spectrum during the first transmission interval a signal indicating a request to transmit to said second mobile communications device; monitor during the second transmission interval to detect a signal from the second mobile communications device; and when a signal from the second mobile communications device is not detected during the second transmission interval, transmit data in a data transmission interval to the second mobile communications device, said data transmission interval occurring after said second transmission interval.
A processor in a mobile device is programmed to control the device to operate in a peer-to-peer system with time slots. First, it transmits a signal in its assigned time slot to request permission to send data to another device. The processor then monitors in the next time slot for a response from that device. If there is no response, the processor controls the device to send its data in the data transmission interval after the time slot it was listening.
25. The apparatus of claim 24 , wherein said processor is further configured to control the first mobile communications device to: receive data from the second mobile communications device during said data transmission interval occurring after said second transmission interval when a signal from the second mobile communications device is detected during the second transmission interval.
In addition to claim 24, the processor is also programmed to receive data from the second mobile device during the data transmission interval if a signal from the second device was detected during the second time slot.
26. A method of operating a second mobile communications device to communicate with a first mobile communications device in a peer-to-peer system during a plurality of transmission intervals, each transmission interval communicating at least one symbol, a first pair of said transmission intervals corresponding to a first pair of mobile communications devices, said first pair of mobile communications devices including said first and second mobile communications devices, the first and second mobile communications devices having an existing connection, said first pair of transmission intervals including a first transmission interval corresponding to the first mobile communications device and a second transmission interval corresponding to the second mobile communications device, the first and second transmission intervals being non-overlapping in time, the first transmission interval preceding the second transmission interval, the method comprising: monitoring during the first transmission interval a first transmission frequency spectrum to detect a signal from the first mobile communications device; and when a signal from the first mobile communications device is not detected on the first transmission frequency spectrum during the first transmission interval, i) transmit a request to transmit data on a second transmission frequency spectrum during the second transmission interval; and ii) transmit data to the first mobile communications device during a transmission time interval corresponding to said second transmission frequency spectrum.
A second mobile device in a peer-to-peer wireless system listens for a signal from a first mobile device in a first time slot. If it doesn't detect a signal, it means the first device isn't requesting to transmit. The second device then sends a request to transmit in a second time slot and transmits its data to the first mobile device in a subsequent data transmission interval.
27. The method of claim 26 , wherein when a signal from the first mobile communications device is detected on the first transmission frequency spectrum during the first transmission interval, determining if the request received from the first mobile communications device is overridden by a transmission request from the second mobile communications device.
In a peer-to-peer wireless system, when a second mobile device *does* detect a signal from a first mobile device (in the first mobile device's designated time slot), the second device checks if its own need to transmit data overrides the request from the first mobile device.
28. The method of claim 27 , wherein if it is determined that the request received from the first mobile communications device is overridden, performing the additional steps of: transmitting a request to transmit data on the second transmission frequency spectrum during the second transmission interval; and transmitting data to the first mobile communications device during the transmission time interval corresponding to said second transmission frequency spectrum.
Based on claim 27, if the second mobile device determines its own transmission request overrides the first mobile device's request, it sends a transmission request in the second mobile device's assigned time slot and then transmits its data to the first mobile device.
29. The method of claim 28 , further comprising: receiving a transmit acceptance signal from the first mobile communications device in a time period between the step of sending the request to transmit data on the second transmission frequency spectrum during the second transmission interval and transmitting data to the first mobile communications device.
Following claim 28, after sending its transmission request during the second time slot, the second mobile device receives an acceptance signal from the first mobile device before transmitting its data to the first mobile device.
30. The method of claim 28 , wherein if it is determined that the request received from the first mobile communications device is not overridden, performing the additional steps of: refraining from transmitting on the second transmission frequency spectrum during the second transmission interval; and receiving data from the first mobile communications device during a transmission time interval corresponding to the first transmission frequency spectrum.
Based on claim 27, if the second mobile device determines its own transmission request does *not* override the first mobile device's request, it does not transmit in the second mobile device's assigned time slot. Instead, it receives data from the first mobile device in the subsequent data transmission interval.
31. The method claim 30 , further comprising: sending a transmit acceptance signal to the first mobile communications device at a point in time between receiving the first transmission frequency spectrum and receiving the data from the first mobile communications device.
Following claim 30, after receiving the first mobile device's request in the first time slot, and before receiving data, the second mobile device sends an acceptance signal to the first mobile device to confirm that it's ready to receive the data.
32. The method of claim 27 , further comprising, prior to determining if the request received from the first mobile communications device is overridden, determining if the transmission request from the first mobile communications device has a higher transmission priority than a transmission need of the second mobile communications device.
Before deciding whether to override a request from the first mobile device (as in claim 27), the second mobile device checks if the first device's request has a higher priority than the second device's need to transmit. This adds a priority-based element to the override decision.
33. The method of claim 32 , wherein the priority of the transmission need of the second mobile communications device is a function of the priority of data at said second mobile communications device waiting to be transmitted.
In claim 32, the priority of the second mobile device's need to transmit is determined by the priority of the data it's waiting to send. Higher-priority data creates a higher-priority transmission need.
34. A second mobile communications device for use in a peer-to-peer system including a first mobile communications device, said peer-to-peer system communicating during a plurality of transmission intervals, each transmission interval communicating at least one symbol, a first pair of said transmission intervals corresponding to a first pair of mobile communications devices having a connection, said first pair of mobile communications devices including said first and second mobile communications devices, said first pair of transmission intervals including a first transmission interval corresponding to the first mobile communications device and a second transmission interval corresponding to the second mobile communications device, the first and second transmission intervals being non-overlapping in time, the first transmission interval preceding the second transmission interval, the second mobile communications device comprising: a monitoring module for monitoring during the first transmission interval a first transmission frequency spectrum to detect a signal from the first mobile communications device; a wireless transmitter module for transmitting a request to transmit data on a second transmission frequency spectrum during the second transmission interval when a signal from the first mobile communications device is not detected on the first transmission frequency spectrum during the first transmission interval and when the second mobile communications device has data to transmit to the first mobile communications device, and for transmitting data to the first mobile communications device during a transmission time interval corresponding to said second transmission frequency spectrum following a transmitted request on the second transmission frequency spectrum during the second transmission interval.
A second mobile device for peer-to-peer communication is defined. It monitors during a first time slot for a request from the first mobile device. If no request is detected from the first mobile device, and the second mobile device has data to transmit, it transmits a request in a second time slot. The second mobile device then transmits its data in the subsequent data transmission interval. The second device contains modules performing each of these functions.
35. The second mobile communications device of claim 34 , further comprising: a request override determination module for determining if a transmission request received from the first mobile communications device is overridden by a transmission request from the second mobile communications device when a signal from the first mobile communications device is detected on the first transmission frequency spectrum during the first transmission interval by said monitoring module, said detected signal being a transmission request.
The second mobile device from claim 34 also includes a "request override determination module" that decides if a request from the first mobile device should be overridden by the second device's own need to transmit. This occurs only when the first mobile device's request is detected in the first time slot.
36. The second communications of claim 35 , further comprising: a transmission request control module for controlling said wireless module to transmit a request to transmit data on the second transmission frequency spectrum during the second transmission interval when said request override determination module determines that the request received from the first mobile communications device is overridden.
As in claim 35, the second mobile device contains a "transmission request control module". It commands the transmitter to send a transmission request during the second time slot *only* if the "request override determination module" has decided that the first device's request should be overridden.
37. The second mobile communications device of claim 36 , further comprising: a wireless receiver module for receiving a transmit acceptance signal transmitted in response to a transmission request signal in a time period subsequent to the sending of the request to transmit data on the second transmission frequency spectrum during the second transmission interval.
The second mobile device in claim 36, further includes a wireless receiver module for receiving a transmit acceptance signal transmitted by the first mobile device in response to the transmitted transmission request signal. The signal is received in the time period subsequent to the sending of the request to transmit data on the second transmission frequency spectrum during the second transmission interval.
38. The second mobile communications device of claim 35 , wherein said wireless transmitter module transmits data to the first mobile communications device during the transmission time interval corresponding to said second transmission frequency spectrum in response to said received transmit acceptance signal.
As in claim 35, the second mobile device transmits data to the first mobile device during the data transmission interval, but only after receiving the acceptance signal.
39. The second mobile communications device of claim 36 , wherein if said transmission request override determination module determines that the request received from the first mobile communications device is not overridden, said transmission request control module controls said wireless transmitter module to refrain from transmitting on the second transmission frequency spectrum during the second transmission interval.
As in claim 36, if the "transmission request override determination module" decides that the first mobile device's request should *not* be overridden, the "transmission request control module" prevents the transmitter from sending a request during the second time slot.
40. The second mobile communications device of claim 39 , further comprising: a transmit request evaluation module for determining if a received transmission request is accepted or rejected; and a transmission request response signal control module for controlling said wireless transmitter module to send a transmit acceptance signal to the first mobile communications device at a point in time following receiving the first transmission frequency spectrum when said transmit request evaluation module determines that a received request is accepted.
The device from claim 39 has a module to determine if a received transmission request is accepted or rejected and a module to control the wireless transmitter module to send a transmit acceptance signal to the first mobile communications device at a point in time following receiving the first transmission frequency spectrum when said transmit request evaluation module determines that a received request is accepted.
41. The second mobile communications device of claim 40 , further comprising: a wireless receiver module for receiving data from the first mobile communications device during a transmission time interval corresponding to the first transmission frequency spectrum when the transmit request evaluation module determines that a received request is accepted.
Based on the logic in claim 40, the second mobile device contains a receiver module to receive data from the first mobile device during the data transmission time interval if the second device's evaluation module determines that the first mobile device's transmission request is accepted.
42. The second mobile communications device of claim 35 , further comprising: a request priority determination module for determining if the transmission request from the first mobile communications device has a higher transmission priority than a transmission need of the second mobile communications device, and wherein said request override determination module uses the determination from the request priority determination module to make an override determination.
The second mobile device (as in claim 35) includes a module to determine the priority of a request from the first mobile device relative to its own need to transmit. The "request override determination module" uses this priority information when deciding whether to override the first device's request.
43. The second mobile communications device of claim 42 , further comprising: a transmission need priority module for determining the priority of the transmission need of the second mobile communications device as a function of the priority of data at said second mobile communications device waiting to be transmitted.
The second mobile device described in claim 42 uses a "transmission need priority module" to determine the priority of its own transmission need. This priority is based on the priority of the data the second device is trying to send.
44. A second mobile communications device for use in a peer-to-peer system including a first mobile communications device, said peer-to-peer system communicating during a plurality of transmission intervals, each transmission interval communicating at least one symbol, a first pair of said transmission intervals corresponding to a first pair of mobile communications devices having a connection, said first pair of mobile communications devices including said first and second mobile communications devices, said first pair of transmission intervals including a first transmission interval corresponding to the first mobile communications device and a second transmission interval corresponding to the second mobile communications device, the first and second transmission intervals being non-overlapping in time, the first transmission interval preceding the second transmission interval, the second mobile communications device comprising: monitoring means for monitoring during the first transmission interval a first transmission frequency spectrum to detect a signal from the first mobile communications device; wireless transmitter means for transmitting a request to transmit data on a second transmission frequency spectrum during the second transmission interval when a signal from the first mobile communications device is not detected on the first transmission frequency spectrum during the first transmission interval and when the second mobile communications device has data to transmit to the first mobile communications device, and for transmitting data to the first mobile communications device during a transmission time interval corresponding to said second transmission frequency spectrum following a transmitted request on the second transmission spectrum during the second transmission interval.
A second mobile device listens for a request to transmit from a first mobile device. If the first mobile device doesn't request to transmit, the second device sends its own request to transmit and then sends its data. The device includes means for each of these functions, implying functional modules or components.
45. The second mobile communications device of claim 44 , further comprising: request override determination means for determining if a transmission request received from the first mobile communications device is overridden by a transmission request from the second mobile communications device when a signal from the first mobile communications device is detected on the first transmission spectrum during the first transmission interval by said monitoring module, said detected signal being a transmission request.
The mobile device described in claim 44, further incorporates "request override determination means" to determine if a transmission request received from the first mobile communications device is overridden by a transmission request from the second mobile communications device when a signal from the first mobile communications device is detected on the first transmission spectrum during the first transmission interval.
46. The second mobile communications device of claim 45 , further comprising: transmission request control means for controlling said wireless transmitter means to transmit a request to transmit data on the second transmission frequency spectrum during the second transmission interval when said request override determination means determines that the request received from the first mobile communications device is overridden.
The second mobile device described in claim 45, further incorporates "transmission request control means" to control said wireless transmitter means to transmit a request to transmit data on the second transmission frequency spectrum during the second transmission interval when said request override determination means determines that the request received from the first mobile communications device is overridden.
47. A non-transitory computer readable medium embodying machine executable instructions for controlling a second mobile communications device to implement a method for communicating with a first mobile communications device in a peer-to-peer system communicating during a plurality of transmission intervals, each transmission interval communicating at least one symbol, a first pair of said transmission intervals corresponding to a first pair of mobile communications devices, said first pair of mobile communications devices including said first and second mobile communications devices, the first and second mobile communications devices having an existing connection, said first pair of transmission intervals including a first transmission interval corresponding to the first mobile communications device and a second transmission interval corresponding to the second mobile communications device, the first and second transmission intervals being non-overlapping in time, the first transmission interval preceding the second transmission interval, the method comprising: monitoring during the first transmission interval a first transmission frequency spectrum to detect a signal from the first mobile communications device; and when a signal from the first mobile communications device is not detected on the first transmission frequency spectrum during the first transmission interval, i) transmitting a request to transmit data on a second transmission frequency spectrum during the second transmission interval; and ii) transmitting data to the first mobile communications device during a transmission time interval corresponding to said second transmission frequency spectrum.
Instructions on a computer-readable medium cause a second mobile device to perform the following: listen for a transmission request from a first mobile device in a first time slot. If no request is detected, send a transmission request in the second mobile device's assigned time slot and then transmit data. This defines a specific protocol for devices taking turns.
48. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 47 , wherein said method further comprises: determining if the request received from the first mobile communications device is overridden by a transmission request from the second mobile communications device when a signal from the first mobile communications device is detected on the first transmission frequency spectrum during the first transmission interval.
As in the previous claim, the instructions on the computer-readable medium also cause the second mobile device to determine if the request received from the first mobile communications device is overridden by a transmission request from the second mobile communications device when a signal from the first mobile communications device is detected on the first transmission frequency spectrum during the first transmission interval.
49. An apparatus comprising: a processor for use in a second mobile communications device which communicates with a first mobile communications device in a peer-to-peer system during a plurality of transmission intervals, each transmission interval communicating at least one symbol, a first pair of said transmission intervals corresponding to a first pair of mobile communications devices, said first pair of mobile communications devices including said first and second mobile communications devices, the first and second mobile communications devices having an existing connection, said first pair of transmission intervals including a first transmission interval corresponding to the first mobile communications device and a second transmission interval corresponding to the second mobile communications device, the first and second transmission intervals being non-overlapping in time, the first transmission interval preceding the second transmission interval, the processor configured to control the second mobile communications device to: monitor during the first transmission interval a first transmission frequency spectrum to detect a signal from the first mobile communications device; and when a signal from the first mobile communications device is not detected on the first transmission frequency spectrum during the first transmission interval, i) transmit a request to transmit data on a second transmission frequency spectrum during the second transmission interval; and ii) transmit data to the first mobile communications device during a transmission time interval corresponding to said second transmission frequency spectrum.
A processor in a mobile device is programmed to operate in a peer-to-peer system. It listens for a request from a first device in a first time slot. If it doesn't detect a signal, it sends a transmission request in its own assigned time slot and then transmits data to the first mobile device during a transmission time interval corresponding to said second transmission frequency spectrum.
50. The apparatus of claim 49 , wherein said processor is further configured to control said second mobile communications device to: determine if the request received from the first mobile communications device is overridden by a transmission request from the second mobile communications device when a signal from the first mobile communications device is detected on the first transmission frequency spectrum during the first transmission interval.
In addition to claim 49, the processor is also programmed to determine if the request received from the first mobile communications device is overridden by a transmission request from the second mobile communications device when a signal from the first mobile communications device is detected on the first transmission frequency spectrum during the first transmission interval.
51. A method of operating a first mobile communications device to communicate with a second mobile communications device in a peer-to-peer system during a plurality of transmission intervals, each transmission interval communicating at least one symbol, a first pair of said transmission intervals corresponding to a first pair of mobile communications devices, said first pair of mobile communications devices including said first and second mobile communications devices, the first and second mobile communications devices having an existing connection, said first pair of transmission intervals including a first transmission interval corresponding to the first mobile communications device and a second transmission interval corresponding to the second mobile communications device, the first and second transmission intervals being non-overlapping in time, the first transmission interval preceding the second transmission interval, the method comprising: transmitting on a first transmission frequency spectrum during the first transmission interval a first signal indicating a request to transmit to said second mobile communications device; and transmitting data in a data transmission interval to the second mobile communications device, said data transmission interval occurring after said second transmission interval.
A first mobile device communicates with a second device by sending a request to transmit in a first time slot. If the second device accepts the request, the first device then sends data in a subsequent data transmission interval.
52. The method of claim 51 , further comprising: prior to transmitting data in the data transmission interval, transmitting a second signal on a second transmission frequency spectrum during the second transmission interval.
The first mobile device (as in claim 51) transmits an initial signal requesting to transmit and sends a second signal during the second time slot. Then, after the second time slot, it transmits the data.
53. The method of claim 52 , wherein said second signal conveys additional information corresponding to said data.
The second signal from the first mobile device (as in claim 52) provides additional information related to the data being transmitted.
54. The method of claim 53 , wherein said additional information is interpreted based on both the first and second signals.
The second signal (as in claim 53) communicates extra information, and the second device uses the first request signal and the second signal together to understand the full context of the transmission.
55. The method of claim 53 , wherein said additional information is quality of service information.
The additional information in the second signal (as in claim 53) is quality of service (QoS) information, describing the priority or requirements for the data transmission.
56. The method of claim 53 , wherein said additional information provides information about the transmit power level to be used to transmit said data.
The additional information in the second signal (as in claim 53) specifies the transmit power level that the first device will use to send the data.
57. The method of claim 52 , further comprising, monitoring for a transmit acceptance signal after transmitting said first signal and prior to transmitting said data.
The first mobile device, according to claim 52, waits for an acceptance signal *after* sending the initial request, but *before* sending the data.
58. The method of claim 57 , wherein said step of transmitting data is not performed when a transmit acceptance signal is not received.
As in the system defined in claim 57, if the first mobile device does *not* receive an acceptance signal after its initial request, it does not send the data.
59. A first mobile communications device for use in a peer-to-peer system including a second mobile communications device, said peer-to-peer system communicating during a plurality of transmission intervals, each transmission interval communicating at least one symbol, a first pair of said transmission intervals corresponding to a first pair of mobile communications devices, said first pair of mobile communications devices having a connection, said first pair of mobile communications devices including said first and second mobile communications devices, said first pair of transmission intervals including a first transmission interval corresponding to the first mobile communications device and a second transmission interval corresponding to the second mobile communications device, the first and second transmission intervals being non-overlapping in time, the first transmission interval preceding the second transmission interval, the first mobile communications device comprising: a wireless transmitter module for transmitting on a first transmission frequency spectrum during the first transmission interval a first signal indicating a request to transmit to said second mobile communications device, and for transmitting data in a data transmission interval to the second mobile communications device, said data transmission interval occurring after said second transmission interval; and a first signal generation module for generating said first signal prior to transmitting said first signal.
A first mobile device includes a transmitter that sends a first signal in a first time slot to request transmission, and then sends data after the second time slot. It also includes a "first signal generation module" to create the initial request signal.
60. The first mobile communications device of claim 59 , further comprising: a second signal generation module for generating a second signal; and wherein said wireless transmitter module transmits said second signal on a second transmission frequency spectrum during the second transmission interval prior to transmitting data in the data transmission interval.
As in claim 59, the first mobile device has a "second signal generation module" and sends a *second* signal during the second time slot, *before* sending the data.
61. The first mobile communications device of claim 60 , wherein said second signal conveys additional information corresponding to said data.
As in claim 60, the second signal transmits additional information about the data being transmitted.
62. The first mobile communications device of claim 61 , wherein said additional information is interpreted based on both the first and second signals.
The additional information in the second signal (as in claim 61) is interpreted by the receiving device in combination with the initial request signal.
63. The first mobile communications device of claim 61 , wherein said additional information is quality of service information.
The additional information in the second signal (as in claim 61) is quality of service (QoS) information.
64. The first mobile communications device of claim 61 , wherein said additional information provides information about the transmit power level to be used to transmit said data.
The additional information in the second signal (as in claim 61) includes information about the transmit power level to be used when transmitting the data.
65. The first mobile communications device of claim 60 , further comprising a request response monitoring module for monitoring for a transmit acceptance signal after transmitting said first signal and prior to transmitting said data.
The first mobile device in claim 60, has a "request response monitoring module" that listens for an acceptance signal after the initial request and before the data transmission.
66. The first mobile communications device of claim 65 , further comprising: a data transmission control module for controlling the transmission of data, and wherein said transmitter module is controlled to refrain from transmitting data when a transmit acceptance signal is not detected by said request response monitoring module.
The first mobile device (as in claim 65) includes a "data transmission control module." This module prevents the transmitter from sending data if the "request response monitoring module" does not detect an acceptance signal.
67. A first mobile communications device for use in a peer-to-peer system including a second mobile communications device, said peer-to-peer system communicating during a plurality of transmission intervals, each transmission interval communicating at least one symbol, a first pair of said transmission intervals corresponding to a first pair of mobile communications devices, said first pair of mobile communications devices having a connection, said first pair of mobile communications devices including said first and second mobile communications devices, said first pair of transmission intervals including a first transmission interval corresponding to the first mobile communications device and a second transmission interval corresponding to the second mobile communications device, the first and second transmission intervals being non-overlapping in time, the first transmission interval preceding the second transmission interval, the first mobile communications device comprising: wireless transmitter means for transmitting on a first transmission frequency spectrum during the first transmission interval a first signal indicating a request to transmit to said second mobile communications device, and for transmitting data in a data transmission interval to the second mobile communications device, said data transmission interval occurring after said second transmission interval; and first signal generation means for generating said first signal prior to transmitting said first signal.
A mobile device transmits data by first signaling a request to transmit and then sending the data. The device includes means for each of these functions, implying functional modules or components, including a signal generator.
68. The first mobile communications device of claim 67 , further comprising: a second signal generation module for generating a second signal; and wherein said wireless transmitter means transmits said second signal on a second transmission frequency spectrum during the second transmission interval prior to transmitting data in the data transmission interval.
The mobile device described in claim 67, further incorporates a second signal generation module for generating a second signal and the wireless transmitter means transmits said second signal on a second transmission frequency spectrum during the second transmission interval prior to transmitting data in the data transmission interval.
69. The first mobile communications device of claim 68 , wherein said second signal conveys additional information corresponding to said data.
As in claim 68, the second signal communicates additional information about the data being transmitted.
70. A non-transitory computer readable medium embodying machine executable instruction for controlling a first mobile communications device to implement a method for communicating with a second mobile communications device in a peer-to-peer system communicating during a plurality of transmission intervals, each transmission interval communicating at least one symbol, a first pair of said transmission intervals corresponding to a first pair of mobile communications devices, said first pair of mobile communications devices including said first and second mobile communications devices, the first and second mobile communications devices having an existing connection, said first pair of transmission intervals including a first transmission interval corresponding to the first mobile communications device and a second transmission interval corresponding to the second mobile communications device, the first and second transmission intervals being non-overlapping in time, the first transmission interval preceding the second transmission interval, the method comprising: transmitting on a first transmission frequency spectrum during the first transmission interval a first signal indicating a request to transmit to said second mobile communications device; and transmitting data in a data transmission interval to the second mobile communications device, said data transmission interval occurring after said second transmission interval.
A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that cause a mobile device to transmit a signal to request transmission and, if the request is accepted, to then transmit the data.
71. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 70 , wherein said method further comprises: prior to transmitting data in the data transmission interval, transmitting a second signal on a second transmission frequency spectrum during the second transmission interval.
As in the previous claim, the instructions on the computer-readable medium also cause the mobile device to transmit a second signal on a second transmission frequency spectrum during the second transmission interval, prior to transmitting data in the data transmission interval.
72. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 71 , wherein said second signal conveys additional information corresponding to said data.
As in the previous claim, the instructions on the computer-readable medium cause the second signal to convey additional information corresponding to said data.
73. An apparatus comprising: a processor for use in a first mobile communications device which communicates with a second mobile communications device in a peer-to-peer system during a plurality of transmission intervals, each transmission interval communicating at least one symbol, a first pair of said transmission resources corresponding to a first pair of mobile communications devices, said first pair of mobile communications devices including said first and second mobile communications devices, the first and second mobile communications devices having an existing connection, said first pair of transmission intervals including a first transmission interval corresponding to the first mobile communications device and a second transmission interval corresponding to the second mobile communications device, the first and second transmission intervals being non-overlapping in time, the first transmission interval preceding the second transmission interval, the processor configured to control the first mobile communications device to: transmit on a first transmission frequency spectrum during the first transmission interval a first signal indicating a request to transmit to said second mobile communications device; and transmit data in a data transmission interval to the second mobile communications device, said data transmission interval occurring after said second transmission interval.
A processor in a mobile device is programmed to transmit a request signal and then, if accepted, to transmit data in a peer-to-peer system.
74. The apparatus of claim 73 , wherein said processor is further configured to control the first mobile communications device to: transmit a second signal on a second transmission frequency spectrum during the second transmission interval, prior to transmitting data in the data transmission interval.
In addition to claim 73, the processor is also configured to transmit a second signal on a second transmission frequency spectrum during the second transmission interval, prior to transmitting data in the data transmission interval.
75. The apparatus of claim 74 , wherein said second signal conveys additional information corresponding to said data.
As in claim 74, the second signal conveys additional information corresponding to said data.
76. A method of operating a second mobile communications device to communicate with a first mobile communications device in a peer-to-peer system during a plurality of transmission intervals, each transmission interval communicating at least one symbol, a first pair of said transmission intervals corresponding to a first pair of mobile communications devices, said first pair of mobile communications devices including said first and second mobile communications devices, the first and second mobile communications devices having an existing connection, said first pair of transmission intervals including a first transmission interval corresponding to the first mobile communications device and a second transmission interval corresponding to the second mobile communications device, the first and second transmission intervals being non-overlapping in time, the first transmission interval preceding the second transmission interval, the method comprising: monitoring during the first transmission interval a first transmission frequency spectrum to detect a first signal from the first mobile communications device requesting permission to transmit to the second mobile communications device; if a first signal is detected on the first transmission resource during the first transmission interval, receiving data in a data transmission interval corresponding to the first transmission frequency spectrum and occurring after said second transmission interval.
A second mobile device listens during the first time slot for a signal requesting permission to transmit from the first mobile device. If it detects the signal, it receives data in the data transmission interval corresponding to the first transmission frequency spectrum and occurring after said second transmission interval.
77. The method of claim 76 , further comprising: receiving a second signal from the first mobile communications device communicated on a second transmission frequency spectrum during the second transmission interval.
In addition to listening for the initial request in the first time slot (as in claim 76), the second mobile device also receives a second signal from the first mobile device during the second time slot.
78. The method of claim 77 , further comprising: recovering additional information corresponding to said data from said second signal.
The second mobile device (according to claim 77) recovers additional information about the data from the second signal transmitted in the second time slot.
79. The method of claim 78 , wherein said additional information is interpreted based on both the first and second signals.
The additional information (as in claim 78) is interpreted based on both the first request signal and the second signal transmitted during the second time slot.
80. The method of claim 78 , wherein said additional information is quality of service information.
The additional information (as in claim 78) provides quality of service (QoS) details for the data transmission.
81. The method of claim 78 , wherein said additional information provides information about the transmit power level to used to transmit said data.
The additional information (as in claim 78) provides information about the transmit power level used by the transmitting device.
82. The method of claim 77 , further comprising: transmitting an acceptance signal after receiving said first transmission frequency spectrum and prior to receiving said data.
After receiving the initial request signal (in the first transmission frequency spectrum) from the first mobile device (as in claim 77), the second mobile device sends an acceptance signal to the first mobile device *before* receiving the data.
83. The method of claim 76 , wherein if a first signal from the first mobile communications device is not detected on the first transmission spectrum during the first transmission interval and there is data to be transmitted, transmitting a transmission request to the first mobile communications device on a second transmission frequency spectrum during the second transmission interval.
If a second mobile device detects no signal from the first mobile device, and the second mobile device has data to send, it transmits its own transmission request to the first mobile device on a second transmission frequency during the second time slot.
84. The method of claim 83 , further comprising: transmitting said data to be transmitted to the first mobile communications device during a data transmission time interval corresponding to the second transmission frequency spectrum.
The second mobile device (as in claim 83) transmits data to the first mobile device during the data transmission interval corresponding to the *second* transmission frequency (which it used to send the request).
85. The method of claim 84 , wherein said data transmission interval corresponding to the first transmission spectrum is the data transmission interval corresponding to the second transmission frequency spectrum.
In the method defined in claim 84, the data transmission intervals corresponding to the first and second transmission frequencies are the same (meaning both devices use the same data transmission interval).
86. The method of claim 84 , further comprising: monitoring to receive a transmission acceptance from the first mobile communications device subsequent to transmitting on the second transmission frequency spectrum during the second transmission interval and prior to transmitting said data.
Following claim 84, the second device listens for a transmission acceptance signal from the first device after sending its transmission request but before sending the data.
87. The method of claim 86 , wherein said step of transmitting data is not performed when a transmit acceptance signal is not received.
The second device (as in claim 86) only transmits data if it receives a transmission acceptance signal.
88. The method of claim 83 , further comprising, during a time period between said first and second transmission intervals, switching from a receive mode of operation to a transmit mode of operation.
When the second mobile device needs to send its own request (as in claim 83), it switches from listening mode to transmit mode between the first and second time slots.
89. The method of claim 88 , wherein switching from the receive mode of operation to the transmit mode of operation includes disabling receiver operation and enabling transmitter operation.
When switching from receive to transmit mode (as in claim 88), the receiver is disabled, and the transmitter is enabled.
90. A second mobile communications device for use in a peer-to-peer communications system including a first mobile communications device, said peer-to-peer system communicating during a plurality of transmission intervals, each transmission interval communicating at least one symbol, a first pair of said transmission intervals corresponding to a first pair of mobile communications devices having a connection, said first pair of mobile communications devices including said first and second mobile communications devices, said first pair of transmission intervals including a first transmission interval corresponding to the first mobile communications device and a second transmission interval corresponding to the second mobile communications device, the first and second transmission intervals being non-overlapping in time, the first transmission interval preceding the second transmission interval, the second mobile communications device comprising: a monitoring module for monitoring during the first transmission interval a first transmission frequency spectrum to detect a first signal from the first mobile communications device requesting permission to transmit to the second mobile communications device; and a data transmission interval control module for controlling said second mobile communications device to receive data in a data transmission interval corresponding to the first transmission frequency spectrum and occurring after said second transmission interval, if a first signal is detected on the first transmission frequency spectrum during the first transmission interval.
A second mobile device monitors in the first time slot for a request to transmit from the first mobile device. If a request is detected from the first mobile device, the second device will then receive the data in a later time slot. A "data transmission interval control module" manages the reception of this data.
91. The second mobile communications device of claim 90 , further comprising: a wireless receiver module for receiving said first signal from the first mobile communications device communicated on the first transmission frequency spectrum during the first transmission interval and for receiving a second signal from the first mobile communications device communicated on a second transmission frequency spectrum during the second transmission interval.
As in claim 90, the second mobile device also has a receiver module that receives the initial request and a second signal in the second time slot.
92. The second mobile communications device of claim 91 , further comprising: an additional information recovery module for recovering additional information corresponding to said data from said second signal.
As in claim 91, the device includes a module to recover additional information about the data from the second signal.
93. The second mobile communications device of claim 92 , wherein said additional information recovery module interprets said additional information based on both the first and second signals.
The "additional information recovery module" (as in claim 92) interprets the extra information using both the first request signal and the second signal.
94. The second mobile communications device of claim 92 , wherein said additional information is quality of service information.
The additional information recovered (as in claim 92) is quality of service (QoS) information.
95. A second mobile communications device for use in a communications peer-to-peer system including a first mobile communications device, said peer-to-peer system communicating during a plurality of transmission intervals, each transmission interval communicating at least one symbol, a first pair of said transmission intervals corresponding to a first pair of mobile communications devices having a connection, said first pair of mobile communications devices including said first and second mobile communications devices, said first pair of transmission intervals including a first transmission interval corresponding to the first mobile communications device and a second transmission interval corresponding to the second mobile communications device, the first and second transmission intervals being non-overlapping in time, the first transmission interval preceding the second transmission interval, the second mobile communications device comprising: monitoring means for monitoring during the first transmission interval a first transmission frequency spectrum to detect a first signal from the first mobile communications device requesting permission to transmit to the second mobile communications device; and data transmission interval control means for controlling said second mobile communications device to receive in a data transmission interval corresponding to the first transmission frequency spectrum and occurring after said second transmission interval, if a first signal is detected on the first transmission frequency spectrum during the first transmission interval.
A second mobile device listens for a transmission request from a first mobile device. If the first device requests transmission, the second device receives data. The device includes means for each of these functions, implying functional modules or components.
96. The second mobile communications device of claim 95 , further comprising: wireless receiver module for receiving said first signal from the first mobile communications device communicated on the first transmission frequency spectrum during the first transmission interval and for receiving a second signal from the first mobile communications device communicated on a second transmission frequency spectrum during the second transmission interval.
The second mobile device described in claim 95, further incorporates a wireless receiver module for receiving said first signal from the first mobile communications device communicated on the first transmission frequency spectrum during the first transmission interval and for receiving a second signal from the first mobile communications device communicated on a second transmission frequency spectrum during the second transmission interval.
97. A non-transitory computer readable medium embodying machine executable instructions for controlling a second mobile communications device to implement a method of communicating with a first mobile communications device in a peer-to-peer system communicating during a plurality of transmission intervals, each transmission interval communicating at least one symbol, a first pair of said transmission intervals corresponding to a first pair of mobile communications devices, said first pair of mobile communications devices including said first and second mobile communications devices, the first and second mobile communications devices having an existing connection, said first pair of transmission intervals including a first transmission interval corresponding to the first mobile communications device and a second transmission interval corresponding to the second mobile communications device, the first and second transmission intervals being non-overlapping in time, the first transmission interval preceding the second transmission interval, the method comprising: monitoring during the first transmission interval a first transmission frequency spectrum to detect a first signal from the first mobile communications device requesting permission to transmit to the second mobile communications device; if a first signal is detected on the first transmission frequency spectrum during the first transmission interval, receiving data in a data transmission interval corresponding to the first transmission frequency spectrum and occurring after said second transmission interval.
A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a second mobile device, cause it to listen for a transmission request and, if a request is received, to receive the data.
98. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 97 , wherein said method further comprises: receiving a second signal from the first mobile communications device communicated on a second transmission frequency spectrum during the second transmission interval.
As in the previous claim, the instructions on the computer-readable medium also cause the mobile device to receive a second signal from the first mobile communications device communicated on a second transmission frequency spectrum during the second transmission interval.
99. An apparatus comprising: a processor for use in a second mobile communications device which communicates with a first mobile communications device in a peer-to-peer system communicating during a plurality of transmission intervals, each transmission interval communicating at least one symbol, a first pair of said transmission intervals corresponding to a first pair of mobile communications devices, said first pair of mobile communications devices including said first and second mobile communications devices, the first and second mobile communications devices having an existing connection, said first pair of transmission intervals including a first transmission interval corresponding to the first mobile communications device and a second transmission interval corresponding to the second mobile communications device, the first and second transmission intervals being non-overlapping in time, the first transmission interval preceding the second transmission interval, the processor configured to control the second mobile communications device to: monitor during the first transmission interval a first transmission frequency spectrum to detect a first signal from the first mobile communications device requesting permission to transmit to the second mobile communications device; and if a first signal is detected on the first transmission frequency spectrum during the first transmission interval, receive data in a data transmission interval corresponding to the first transmission frequency spectrum and occurring after said second transmission interval.
A processor in a mobile device is programmed to listen for a request and receive data. If it detects the first device requesting, it receives data from the first device in a data transmission interval.
100. The apparatus of claim 99 , wherein said processor is further configured to control the second mobile communications device to: receive a second signal from the first mobile communications device communicated on a second transmission frequency spectrum during the second transmission interval.
In addition to claim 99, the processor is also configured to receive a second signal from the first mobile communications device communicated on a second transmission frequency spectrum during the second transmission interval.
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October 31, 2007
July 23, 2013
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